EWOOD legend Bryan Douglas believes Steven Nzonzi could prove a decisive figure for Blackburn Rovers in their fight for survival – provided he showed greater adventure on the pitch.

The French midfielder made his 29th Premier League appearance of the campaign – more than any other Rovers player – in Monday night’s 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United.

Despite a brave performance against the league leaders, the result sent Rovers tumbling back into the Premier League relegation zone with just seven games remaining.

Douglas was among those watching on as Blackburn failed to hold on for a precious point, two late goals from Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young swinging the game in United’s favour.

The Rovers great, who made more than 500 appearances for the club between 1953 and 1969, retains the belief that there is enough quality in Steve Kean’s squad to maintain their top-flight status.

But after back-to-back defeats, the 77-year-old has expressed concerns that Rovers are not ‘in the opposition’s faces’ enough and is worried that striker Yakubu has become starved of support from midfield.

Douglas believes the Nigerian would benefit from having the presence of Nzonzi alongside him, suggesting that the 23-year-old Frenchman has ‘a lot more to give’ in an attacking sense and that he could be Blackburn’s answer to Steven Gerrard.

“Steven Nzonzi is a good player but there’s times when he wants to play walking football,” said the hometown legend.

“There was times when he could have really got at United but he seemed to want to slow things down. It was a bit frustrating.

“He’s got the potential to be a very good footballer, but he’s got to want to show it and prove it to everyone.”

Douglas added: “He got a lot more to give going forward and I wish he would show it, or the manager give him the responsibility to show it.

“If I was the manager, I’d be encouraging him to get up there in the penalty box and run at defenders, a sort of Steven Gerrard-type of game.

“He could be that sort of player. He may say that’s not his game, but he’s a big, athletic lad and I imagine the opposition don’t enjoy having his presence in the penalty box.

“I think he should be a bit more adventurous and I’m sure he would enjoy it.”

Rovers have just seven games to save their skin, beginning with Saturday’s trip to West Brom followed by Liverpool at Ewood Park next Tuesday, after entering the dropzone on goal difference.

With matches running out, Douglas has called on Rovers to seize the initiative before it is too late.

He said: “We’re right back in the mix again when I thought we were getting clear of the bottom three.

“Every game is a cup tie and we’ve got to treat it that way. I’ve been saying that for a while now. We’ve got to get in the players’ faces more and go for the jugular.

“We cannot afford to sit on the back foot. I felt we were a little bit running scared of Manchester United.

“That is understandable because of the opposition and the position they are in and the players they’ve got. But we’ve got to show the initiative.”